India’s Elderly Population Set to Double, Overtaking Children by 2050, Says UN Report
India is on the brink of a significant demographic shift, as the number of elderly citizens in the country is projected to double by 2050, surpassing the count of children, according to a report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Currently, there are 149 million individuals aged 60 and above in India, but this figure is anticipated to surge to a staggering 347 million by 2050, as per the UNFPA study. Moreover, the report highlights a pivotal milestone – by 2046, the elderly population in India will outnumber children aged 0 to 14 years old. Simultaneously, there is expected to be a decrease in the number of people aged 15 to 59 years old.
India, known for being the world’s most populous country, has long held the distinction of having the largest youth population, with 65% of its residents under the age of 35. However, the UNFPA’s predictions reveal a transformative shift on the horizon. While India’s overall population is slated to grow by 18% from 2022 to 2050, the elderly population is set to experience a remarkable surge of 134%. More notably, individuals aged 80 and above are expected to increase by a staggering 279% during the same period.
“By 2050, one in every five individuals will be elderly in India,” states the UNFPA, highlighting the imminent demographic evolution that the country is poised to undergo.
It’s important to note that India is not alone in facing this demographic transformation; the rest of the world is destined to grapple with similar challenges. Globally, the number of individuals aged 60 and above is projected to double and reach 2.1 billion by 2050, according to the UNFPA.
The report emphasizes that this surge in the elderly population will manifest across all regions worldwide. However, it’s noteworthy that less developed regions are expected to experience a slightly higher increase in their elderly populations, reflecting the universal nature of this demographic shift.
As countries around the world prepare to navigate the social, economic, and healthcare implications of an aging population, India stands at the forefront of this demographic transition. Understanding and addressing the needs and challenges of its burgeoning elderly population will be essential in shaping the future of the nation and ensuring the well-being of its citizens.
News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh 3rd October 2023
